Tintwistle Seven Falls Short Walk | 3 Miles
Hidden away in the very north of the Peak District is Arnfield Brook, home to one of the hidden gems of the Peak District – Tintwistle Seven Falls. As the name suggests, this is a series of waterfalls cascading down from the rugged moorland above. This is a 3 mile circular walk from Arnfield Reservoir, looping round the waterfalls.
Arnfield Brook runs just north of the reservoirs of the Longdendale Valley in the northern Peak District, and is the source of a series of cascading waterfalls and tranquil pools. Although seven waterfalls are marked on the OS map, there are actually more to discover as you work your way upstream, with the first few being particularly spectacular. These make a great place to stop for a snack break.
Top Tips for Visiting Tintwistle Seven Falls:
- Wear hiking boots with a good grip – the ground is uneven and can be very muddy.
- If you plan to have a dip, make sure you don’t wear sunscreen. This can wash off into the brook and cause pollution.
- BBQs and fires are banned within the Peak District National Park. Please don’t spoil this beautiful place by ignoring the rules.
- Keep dogs on short leads between 1 March and 31 July to protect wildlife.
- Some of the waterfalls can be accessed by scrambling down the banks, but they are very steep and muddy in places so you do so at your own risk! You can view the waterfalls from the path, so if you’re unable (or don’t want) to scramble down you don’t need to.
- Check out Arnfield Fly Fishery Cafe and Thai Restaurant for delicious food.
- Why not camp at Crossgate Farm Campsite?
How to Find the Waterfalls at Tintwistle
We parked on the road near Arnfield Fly Fishing, right up against the wall so as not to obstruct any roadways. We then walked up Crossgate Lane, turning left onto the track leading to Arnfield Farm. Before the main farm complex there is a metal gate where the footpath leaves the track. If in doubt, check the OS map to make sure you’re going the right way.
The footpath runs along a track for a distance, heading through a small woodland and then opening out onto the beautiful, wild moorland. The path splits and heads down the hillside towards the stream in the bottom. You’ll be able to hear the series of waterfalls before you see them!
We sat and had a snack at the top of one of the waterfalls before carrying on up the valley.
There are 7 waterfalls marked on the OS map, but I think there are definitely more as you walk along up Arnfield Brook!
After the waterfalls start to get smaller and level out, you have to cross the river and head up the hillside a short distance to come back down the other side of the river, following a farm track which eventually runs through Arnfield Farm. Turning left at the farm entrance, you can then retrace your steps back to the car.
Alternatively you can just retrace your steps back down this side of Arnfield Brook, and head back to the car that way.
Wild Swimming
I don’t think these pools are deep enough for full on wild swimming, but you may be able to have a quick dip. The water levels will also get lower in dry spells. As always, remember to leave no trace – leaving rubbish only encourages other people to do so, and before you know it this beautiful place will be ruined.
We actually did a longer walk when we visited Tintwistle Seven Falls and headed up onto the moors to find 3 plane wrecks near Tintwistle Knarr, a shooting cabin and then walked back through Swallows Woods – you can find that route here: Tintwistle Seven Falls and Plane Crash Sites.
Tintwistle Seven Falls Short Walk Map:
Walk Map (Opens in OS Maps): Tintwistle 7 Falls Short Walk
Parking: I recommend parking roadside near Arnfield Fly Fishing (postcode SK13 1HP), where there’s plenty of space – just be sure to park close to the wall to avoid blocking the narrow country lanes. Alternatively, Crossgate Farm Campsite, Crossgate Ln, Glossop SK13 1HP offers convenient parking for a small fee (£3), with the bonus of cafe facilities if you want to grab a hot drink before or after your walk. Please be mindful of local residents and other visitors.
Facilities: Crossgates Campsite has a cafe.
Dogs: Dogs should be kept on leads on Open Access Land between 1 March and 31 July to protect ground nesting birds. They should be on a lead around livestock at all times. This route passes through a farmyard and there may be sheep on the moors, so if in doubt keep your dog on a lead.
Walk Time: 2 hours
Difficulty: ▲▲ (Moderate – there are some steep bankings and uneven ground).
Distance: 2.9 miles (4.7km)
Trig Points Bagged: None
Peak District Peaks Bagged: None
Peak District Ethels Bagged: None
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